The Canadian Parliament passed legislation last week granting priority status to produce growers and shippers for unpaid product in the event that a buyer of their fruits and vegetables files for bankruptcy.

Boston is known for a rich history including notable moments from the American Revolution and sports teams like the Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins. It's been increasingly recognized as a model for promoting fresh, produce, not only benefitting local growers but also enhancing the health and wellness of city residents.

Its vibrant produce scene is served by numerous generation-old companies working inside and nearby the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, the largest privately-owned terminal market in the country.

Over the years, the supply chains for produce in the U.S. have shifted from a regional marketing and distribution model to one that also includes a network of producers across the country in order to better serve customers with a year-round supply.

Cambridge Farms, based in Easton, MA, offers that year-round availability with partnerships in major potato producing regions.

Brighter Bites held its second annual Monterey Holiday Event on Dec. 11 for a larger conversation on creating communities of health through fresh food.

Workforce development is undergoing a transformation as ethical labor practices, technological advancements and consumer expectations reshape industries worldwide. Agriculture, a sector central to global food systems, is embracing these changes to address historical challenges and improve worker conditions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry: